New law on communications in Russia

Russia

On 29 November 2002 the Russian Parliament passed the first reading of the draft law On Amending the Federal Law on Communications (the "Amendments").

The provisions regarding the issue and revocation of communications licences have been drafted using clear language. As such, the Amendments effectively both reduce the ambiguity of current licensing regulations and lessen administrative problems encountered in issuing such licences.

In general the Amendments provide a refined legal framework for the communications industry. The provisions establish the authority of the regulating bodies and the rights and obligations of the participants in the communications market. This includes the rights and obligations of communication providers and the end-users vis-a-vis each other.

The Amendments introduce the concept of a single Russian Federation communications network comprising various categories of communication grids as well as providing for unified interconnection between the grids and for centralized monitoring of the network as a whole.

In addition, the Amendments reduce the number of means of communication which are subject to mandatory certification. The list has been reduced to only those which substantially influence the unified network. As such, mobile phones may not necessarily fall under the certification requirements, which could substantially speed up the entry of new models onto the market.

The Amendments are scheduled to be further refined by the Government in advance of the second reading.

For further information please contact David Griston at [email protected] or on 00 7 095 2585000.